An Easy New Year's Eve Vacation Idea: Quebec City

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Pining for a romantic European New Year's Eve getaway but don’t want the hassle and expense of a seven-hour flight? Hop on a jet to Francophone Quebec City—you’ll be there in less than two hours from New York or Philadelphia.

Courtesy Ville de Québec

Quebec City in December is a snowy winter wonderland.

Why you’re going Pining for a romantic European winter but don’t want the hassle and expense of a seven-hour flight? Hop on a jet to Francophone Quebec City—you’ll be there in less than two hours from New York or Philadelphia and ready to explore the cobblestoned streets and seventeenth-century architecture without a trace of jet lag. You’ll eat just as well as you would in Montreal, but Quebec City is even more authentically French (you’ll probably even have to order en français), so you’ll be forgiven for forgetting you’re in North America. Oh, and don’t let the cold stop you from heading north: This is a town that celebrates winter, and in fact, the dusting of snow shows off the streets at their dreamiest.

Courtesy Auberge Saint-Antoine

Auberge Saint-Antoine's Panache restaurant

What you’re doing Make the 95-room Auberge Saint-Antoine your base, as it’s ideally situated in the historic Old Port neighborhood overlooking the St. Lawrence River—the heated stone floors are a welcome touch this time of year (888-692-2211; doubles from $200). Luckily, the hotel’s restaurant, Panache, is one of the city’s best (especially if you want to keep pretending you’re in Paris), famous for its perfect croissants and café au laits (418-692-1022; entrées from $33). Finally, save an afternoon for the markets and shops of rue St-Paul, which are a short walk from the hotel, including Machin Chouette, a trove of antiques and modern objets d’art, furniture, and one-of-a-kind creations from designer/owner Lyse Maheu (225 rue St-Paul).

New Year’s Eve tip It’s one huge block party on the Grande Allée (the Champs-Élysées of Quebec City)—where DJs and avant-garde dance troupes perform—which culminates with a spectacular fireworks show. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. (festivaldeslumieresdequebec.com).